Lifestyle & Home: Pots of Paint

It’s not a phrase you usually see stamped on household paints: ‘Just because I look and smell divine, don’t be tempted to eat me’.

But that’s exactly what it says on the tins produced by Pots of Paint. Each contains sustainably produced raw materials such as beeswax, milk, casein and linseed oil, and natural plant and mineral pigments.

“We think our paints are a joy to use. They smell of the plant and fruit extracts used to make them, from zesty citrus peel to mellow clove oil,” says Edward Bulmer, the man behind the company.

An architectural historian, interior designer and passionate environmental campaigner, Edward worked with Europe’s leading traditional paint maker to develop this easy-to-apply, eco-friendly collection. There are 50 gorgeous colours to choose from, with names like Dove, Pea Green, Lavender, Clove and Ethereal Blue.

The formula, which contains no harmful emissions, allows the walls and woodwork to breathe – as well as the person doing the painting.

Pots of Paint is available in a number of finishes from www.potsofpaint.com

Jane Lee

Lifestyle & Home: True Taste Welsh Food Market

The True Taste Welsh Food Market returns for its second year next week with 24 award-winning producers, double the number of stalls compared to last years event. The market is an opportunity to sample and buy the best of Welsh food; from fresh fruit and vegetables, smoked meats, pâtés, artisan chesses, hot waffles and more…

Amongst this years stalls is the Knobbly Carrot Organic Food Company, selling hearty winter soups, tasty sauces, salads and sandwich fillings. (Pictured above)

The market is held in Golden Square, London, on Friday 26th of February between 11am and 7pm. An essential date for the diary of any food lover!

Carly Gordon

Lifestyle & Home: Parna linen and textiles

This lovely website specialises in hand embroidered antique and reclaimed linen at affordable prices. Stocking everything from cushion covers to wall hangings, each item has been beautifully crafted and will add a lovely personal touch to your home.

The founder Kath Griffiths makes use of the traditional production methods from central and Eastern Europe, working closely with women who have practiced their craft for years. Using hemps and linens that have either been reclaimed or produced with age- old spinning and weaving techniques she creates unique pieces of great design and quality. Products are made to last and most items are machine washable for practicality, making them convenient for everyday use.

Already loved by Marie Claire and Easy Living, Parna also offers a bespoke service of individually embroidered cushions that can be personalised with names and motifs of your choice.

Sign up to their newsletter to receive 10 % off.

Poppy Sakulku

Lifestyle & Home: Emma Loves Retro, We Do Too!

Emmalovesretro is a UK based company specialising in recycled vintage fabrics for home decor. From covering cushions and pillows, to wall hangings, there are a variety of patterns, colours and textures to choose from. Whether you love the geometric shapes of 60s mod, psychedelic swirls of the 70s, or classic florals from the 40s/50s, there is something for everyone. International shipping is available.

Want to turn an ugly office chair into a more attractive focal point?  Emmalovesretro's vintage fabrics can also be used to reupholster furniture adding character and retro-chic appeal. Don't worry, you don't have to do it yourself, emmalovesretro takes care of it for you. Shop here for gifts, and your personal home decorating needs. For more info refer to Emmalovesretro's blog here.

Tyler January

Forever Fashion: Ba-Ba-Ba-Bird is the Word

How many of your favorite Fashion Designers produce their product lines using solar power, eco-friendly water-based dyes, and environmental responsibility? Here's a company that is sure to be a favorite and does all of those thing and more. Bird Textiles is a sustainable, ethical brand of fashion and homewares that are sure to turn heads while remaining socially conscious.

Bird clothing is unique and inspiring, with strong timeless elements of decades (and centuries) gone by, brought back to life with eco-awareness and elements of modern design. Shop in Bird's online store for homeware and fashion. Click here to view their latest collection of clothes.

"Birds are not governed by our linear interpretation of time. They move according to the flow of the seasons. Birds have the power to fly, transcend barriers, both physical and metaphorical." - Inspired by the words of Adele Nozedar, in, 'The Secret Language of Birds.'

Tyler January

Lifestyle & Home: Organic Rosé Wine and chocolate

Valentines is coming and it’s time to escape the commercial high street and treat your loved one to a special gift that is in keeping with ethical principles and won’t break the bank. Available for a limited time only, Bonterra Vineyards and Green & Black’s have teamed up to create a romantic gift for Valentines; a bottle of Rosé wine accompanied by an assorted pack of Green & Black’s miniature bars, all made from the finest organic ingredients.

The rosé is vibrantly fruity with romantic hints of strawberries, elderflower and cherry blossom; just my type of wine! Made from organic grapes grown in the mountainous valleys of California, Bonterra Vineyards work with the environment to create their distinctive wines. “Today our vineyard is an environment of incredible diversity: soil, plants and animals work together to create a web of natural balance where all the elements thrive.”

The Green & Black’s miniature bars work surprisingly well with the rosé, with a range of chocolates to choose from there’s a flavour for all; including milk, almond, dark, cherry, ginger and my personal favourite- butterscotch.

Buy your gift pack now from Booths or Ocado.

Carly Gordon

Lifestyle & Home: Refab Funky Chicken Doorstops

When was the last time you got something through the post that made you smile? For me it was this morning when, among all the usual bills, a Funky Chicken landed on my doormat.

Guaranteed to add a splash of retro to every home, these colourful doorstops are handmade from vintage and reclaimed patterned fabrics by the small, environmentally-conscious company Refab. Simply undo the zip at the bottom and fill them with something like rice to keep their shape.

Also in the range are a selection of Psychedelic Snake draught excluders and, for cat-lovers, organic Catnip-filled Mice.

Buy them online from www.refab.co.uk or visit Refab’s stall at Greenwich Indoor Market, London, every Saturday. Prices include p&p and there is currently a 10% discount on all orders over £30.

Jane Lee